LABOUR'S conference was treated to a rare glimpse of Hollywood magic yesterday courtesy of Bill Clinton.

The former US President naturally brought best-buddy Kevin Spacey to the Blackpool gathering and the Oscar-winning actor had the audience on their feet even before Mr Clinton or his host Tony Blair had entered the room.

It might have been a premiere as Mr Spacey made small talk with Cherie Blair amid the camera flashes and applause.

He, in turn, led the audience in a standing ovation as the Prime Minister entered.

And despite a sometimes sombre speech from the former US president, the atmosphere of mutual admiration remained throughout the main feature.

Sporting a tan much deeper than any the Cabinet members lined up behind him acquired on their summer breaks, Mr Clinton looked every inch the international star as he took centre stage.

But he was quick to assure his audience he was one of them, declaring, "Clinton, Bill. Arkansas CLP."

The former US leader argued the case, rehearsed by Mr Blair yesterday, for America and Britain as an alliance for good in the world.

He praised the Prime Minister's - and his own - action in Kosovo, Northern Ireland and in Iraq in

1998.

Then came the tough talking. "We will not allow ourselves to be defeated by tyrants with weapons of mass destruction," he said.

As sections of the audience stiffened, he again echoed the Prime Minister, stressing the importance of working through the UN.